Build These Reliable DIY Mobile Garage Shelves For On-The-Go Storage

As the home of the overflow, keeping an organized, accessible garage rarely happens naturally. Clever storage solutions are at their most critical here. And in a place where every inch of space needs a purpose, DIYing custom-fit storage shelves makes a ton of sense. Add in some rollers to wheel them around, and you have an ultra-functional aid to keep tools handy, load up your vehicles, and put items away. Such is the premise ofCasual Build's YouTube tutorial. The storage unit features a 2-by-4 and plywood construction with spacious shelves and casters for easy movement around the garage.

With a bare-bones design, this inexpensive and straightforward storage shelf doesn't win any style points. But in the one area where utility takes priority over all else, it could be just what your garage is missing. Casual Builds offers a full explainer video, complete with a cut list and diagram you can adjust to your build. The frame makes efficient use of 2-by-4s to help save on materials. With lumber at Home Depot and Lowes running about $3.50 to $4 per 2-by-4 in 8-foot lengths, the wood frame, as seen in the video, will cost about $60 to $70 to build. The shelves can be made from spare wood or plywood, or, for savings on new panels, OSB. If you can source cheap lumber, this build can be as cost-efficient as practical.

Casual Builds offers everything you need to construct your DIY shelves. But if you know the basic elements, you can customize it to any width or height. Four outer posts create the corners, with each end having 16-inch spanners to create ladders on the sides. Front and back spanning pieces sized to your needs connect the sides to complete the outer shelving frame. Supports connect to the corner posts between the shelves, and 16-inch boards connect the front and back spanners to add structure and shelf support. Finally, small cuts create the short legs holding the center casters.

Finish the job by adding your plywood and casters, like these 2-inch heavy-duty caster wheels. You can work with any choice of wood for your shelves as long as it fits and you have the tools to cut it. If you don't feel comfortable making the notched cuts in the corners, you can simply form your wood into a rectangle that sits snugly against the four corners. But before doing so, consider all the design options and what you want to store. Measure and space your shelves to tightly hold your plastic totes, tools, and other materials. With a little creativity, you can then find more possibilities for storing any common garage items.

The great thing about this no-frills, squared-off design is that it's super-easy to customize. On the interior shelves, you can add DIY drawers, pull-out shelves, and cabinets. All you need are 2-by-4 supports between the spanners holding the shelves and a piece of plywood to make a cubby wall. You could also add a panel to keep items from falling out the back, though this will limit access to one side. But if you want a cabinet with a door, you can keep the open accessibility by simply adding a door to both ends of the cabinet.

The outside of the shelving unit's sides offer even more opportunities. Start with a handle for easier movement. Attach a peg board to the ends to hold tape rolls, cords, and tools, or tack on a slotted holder so you can wheel around your shovels, rakes, and other yard equipment. You can even attach a power cord reel like this DEWENWILS Retractable Extension Cord Reel to let you fire up your tools and use the shelf as a moveable workstation. You would just have to tweak the shelf spacing to make your shelf double as a garage workbench when needed. A portable power station will add even more mobility, though these aren't always powerful enough to operate larger equipment. Add-ons all depend on how you plan to use the shelves. Whatever your needs may be, starting with this simple framework gives you all the functional versatility you could want from your DIY garage shelves, no matter where you need them.